OVERVIEW

H.E. Jackson Engineering Ltd (HEJ) is one of the leading providers of engineering solutions in Malawi and serves all sectors of the economy, including mining, energy, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.Malawi job listings

The company has vacancies at its Rumphi Project Site for:

Job Title: Water Bowser Operator (2 Positions)

Nature of Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term

Duty Station: Rumphi

1. JOB SUMMARY

The Water Bowser Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of water bowser trucks used on construction sites and related work areas.

The primary purpose of the role is to transport and distribute water for dust suppression, road construction, compaction, concrete works, site cleaning, and other approved construction activities.

The operator is responsible for the safe operation, basic maintenance, and proper care of the assigned water bowser while complying with company procedures, Malawi road traffic requirements, and construction-site health and safety standards.

2. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate the assigned water bowser on public roads, construction sites, quarry areas, and access roads.
• Transport water from approved sources to designated construction sites and work areas.
• Spray and distribute water for dust suppression on roads, haul roads, work areas, and stockpile areas.
• Apply water to surfaces during road construction and earthworks to support compaction activities.
• Operate the bowser’s pumps, spray bars, hoses, valves, nozzles, and other water-distribution equipment safely.
• Follow instructions from the Site Supervisor regarding water requirements, locations, quantities, and application schedules.
• Carry out daily pre-start inspections of the vehicle and water-bowser equipment.
• Check engine oil, coolant, fuel, tyres, brakes, lights, hydraulic systems, pump systems, hoses, valves, and water tank components.
• Ensure the water tank, pump, pipes, hoses, spray bars, and other fittings are in good working condition.
• Report mechanical faults, leaks, damaged hoses, pump problems, or other defects immediately to the supervisor or mechanic.
• Perform basic routine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and inspection as required.
• Monitor water levels and ensure the bowser is filled only from authorized water sources.
• Operate the vehicle and water-distribution system in a manner that prevents unnecessary water wastage.
• Maintain accurate records of water collection, trips, operating hours, and work performed where required.
• Follow assigned routes, work schedules, and site instructions.
• Observe all applicable road traffic laws, site speed limits, and construction-site traffic-management procedures.
• Exercise caution when driving, reversing, filling, parking, and spraying around workers, vehicles, machinery, excavations, buildings, and other hazards.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked safely and secured when not in use.
• Keep the water bowser clean and in a safe and roadworthy condition.
• Immediately report accidents, near misses, breakdowns, environmental incidents, or damage involving the vehicle.
• Assist with other site activities when reasonably required and where the employee is appropriately trained and competent.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by management.

3. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) or equivalent is an advantage.
• Must possess a valid Malawian driver’s licence of the appropriate class for the water bowser being operated.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience operating water bowsers, tankers, tipper trucks, or other heavy commercial vehicles.
• Previous experience in construction, road works, quarrying, mining, or civil engineering projects is highly desirable.
• Experience operating water pumps, spray bars, hoses, valves, and similar equipment is an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of heavy-vehicle operation and routine maintenance.
• Knowledge of road safety and construction-site safety procedures.
• Defensive-driving or professional-driver training is an advantage.

4. SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Competent and safe heavy-vehicle driving skills.
• Good knowledge of road traffic rules and safe-driving practices.
• Ability to operate water-distribution systems and related equipment.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to identify faults.
• Good spatial awareness and ability to manoeuvre safely in restricted areas.
• Good understanding of construction-site hazards.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work with minimal supervision.
• Good time management and ability to follow work schedules.
• High level of responsibility and accountability.
• Reliability, punctuality, and good work discipline.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental protection.

5. HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Exercise caution when reversing and use a banksman/spotter where required by site procedures.
• Never exceed the vehicle’s permitted load or water-tank capacity.
• Ensure the water-distribution system is safely operated and does not create hazards for workers or road users.
• Never operate the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair driving ability.
• Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, leaks, spills, and equipment defects immediately.
• Use water responsibly and avoid unnecessary wastage.
• Obtain water only from approved sources and comply with company environmental requirements.
• Prevent unnecessary damage to roads, drainage systems, vegetation, structures, and other property during water-spraying operations.

• Safely operate the assigned water bowser on public roads, construction sites, quarry areas, and access roads.
• Transport water from approved sources to designated construction sites and work areas.
• Spray and distribute water for dust suppression on roads, haul roads, work areas, and stockpile areas.
• Apply water to surfaces during road construction and earthworks to support compaction activities.
• Operate the bowser’s pumps, spray bars, hoses, valves, nozzles, and other water-distribution equipment safely.
• Follow instructions from the Site Supervisor regarding water requirements, locations, quantities, and application schedules.
• Carry out daily pre-start inspections of the vehicle and water-bowser equipment.
• Check engine oil, coolant, fuel, tyres, brakes, lights, hydraulic systems, pump systems, hoses, valves, and water tank components.
• Ensure the water tank, pump, pipes, hoses, spray bars, and other fittings are in good working condition.
• Report mechanical faults, leaks, damaged hoses, pump problems, or other defects immediately to the supervisor or mechanic.
• Perform basic routine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and inspection as required.
• Monitor water levels and ensure the bowser is filled only from authorized water sources.
• Operate the vehicle and water-distribution system in a manner that prevents unnecessary water wastage.
• Maintain accurate records of water collection, trips, operating hours, and work performed where required.
• Follow assigned routes, work schedules, and site instructions.
• Observe all applicable road traffic laws, site speed limits, and construction-site traffic-management procedures.
• Exercise caution when driving, reversing, filling, parking, and spraying around workers, vehicles, machinery, excavations, buildings, and other hazards.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked safely and secured when not in use.
• Keep the water bowser clean and in a safe and roadworthy condition.
• Immediately report accidents, near misses, breakdowns, environmental incidents, or damage involving the vehicle.
• Assist with other site activities when reasonably required and where the employee is appropriately trained and competent.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by management.

• Competent and safe heavy-vehicle driving skills.
• Good knowledge of road traffic rules and safe-driving practices.
• Ability to operate water-distribution systems and related equipment.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to identify faults.
• Good spatial awareness and ability to manoeuvre safely in restricted areas.
• Good understanding of construction-site hazards.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work with minimal supervision.
• Good time management and ability to follow work schedules.
• High level of responsibility and accountability.
• Reliability, punctuality, and good work discipline.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental protection.

• Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) or equivalent is an advantage.
• Must possess a valid Malawian driver’s licence of the appropriate class for the water bowser being operated.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience operating water bowsers, tankers, tipper trucks, or other heavy commercial vehicles.
• Previous experience in construction, road works, quarrying, mining, or civil engineering projects is highly desirable.
• Experience operating water pumps, spray bars, hoses, valves, and similar equipment is an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of heavy-vehicle operation and routine maintenance.
• Knowledge of road safety and construction-site safety procedures.
• Defensive-driving or professional-driver training is an advantage.